Capacitive Window Control Unit in Hollow Plastic Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door electrical operating unit installations are costly, difficult to retrofit, and visually and structurally intrusive due to the need for external electrical connections and large recesses in the frame, compromising stability and thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of operating elements within the hollow chamber of the window or door frame, using capacitive sensing and concealed pushbutton elements that operate through the plastic wall, eliminating visible openings and allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance, with visual and haptic markings for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control units are installed in the frame with large-area recesses milled into the side wall, then the operating unit can be latched into the recess, but this involves large-scale intervention in the frame which entails considerable manufacturing effort and changes the stability and thermal insulation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit is nested within the existing hollow chamber structure of the profile, utilizing the internal cavity space rather than creating external recesses. This allows the control unit to be housed inside the profile's hollow chamber, eliminating the need to mill large-area recesses into the side wall while maintaining frame integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach (requiring recesses in the side wall) to a three-dimensional internal mounting approach (utilizing the hollow chamber volume). By moving the installation space from the external surface to the internal volume, the frame structure remains intact
2Ease of manufacture
If control units are installed with openings in the side walls for cable access, then electrical connections can be made, but this makes cleaning difficult and compromises the smooth appearance of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
Cable access is achieved by routing cables through the hollow chamber interior rather than creating external openings. The cable entry point is positioned at the rear of the hollow chamber, allowing cables to be fed through the profile wall into the internal cavity without disrupting the external smooth surface
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow chamber structure itself serves as the cable routing pathway, eliminating the need for separate cable access openings. The profile's internal cavity automatically provides the necessary space and route for electrical cable installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If subsequent installation of additional electrical equipment is attempted, then retrofitting can be performed, but this is at least very difficult with conventional installation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow chamber structure is pre-formed during profile manufacturing, creating an ready-made installation space before the window or door is assembled. This preliminary preparation of the internal cavity allows for easy subsequent installation of electrical equipment without requiring modifications to the installed product
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy retrofitting and maintenance while maintaining the frame's appearance and structural integrity, ensuring seamless integration of electrical devices without compromising thermal insulation or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensing elements can preferably be used by taking advantage of the electrical neutrality of the PVC material. The user's placed finger or the electric field that forms around the finger can be registered through the side wall on the sensor element positioned on the back and in particular directly adjacent to it.
Implementation Method 2
It is also possible to use the deformability of the side wall of the hollow plastic profile, which is usually made of PVC. Here, a slight pressure from the user is sufficient to trigger a minimal deformation of the side wall, which is registered on the button element on the back of the control unit, which is concealed there.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a window (100) or door with an electrical control unit (20) for an electrical accessory, a frame or sash (10) is provided, which is formed from a hollow plastic profile having several hollow chambers (16) and at least one side wall (14) with a visible surface. At least one slot recess (18) is provided in the frame (30) or in the sash (10), extending into at least one hollow chamber (16) which is bounded by the rear side (15) of the side wall (14), which is not perforated at least in the area of the slot recess (18). The electrical control unit (20) is arranged in the slot recess (18) and has a contact plane located behind the rear side (15) of the side wall (14), with at least one optical display element and/or a push button element (21) being arranged adjacent to the contact plane.